Glasshouse Journal

Reads: Frida by Ishiuchi

As one of our all time favourite female artists, we can’t get enough of these photographs of the unique and beautiful style of Frida Kahlo by Miyako Ishiuchi. One of Japan’s most notable female photographers, Ishiuchi has a career spanning an impressive 35 years. Her works Mother (2005) and Hiroshima (2007) documented previously worn clothing of her subjects, depicting their lives and the social climate of post war Japan.

In her new book she takes her lens to the garments and possessions of Frida Kahlo. Simply titled ‘Frida by Ishiuchi’, the book is the first ever photographic archive of Kahlo’s belongings. The outcome is an intimate and intriguing insight into her private world, as captured by one inspirational female artist of another.

Kahlo is not only known for her art, but also her courageous strength and beauty. Whilst you wouldn’t think it on appearance, her sartorial choices were in part reflective of her traumatic early life. Involved in a near fatal bus accident, she was left with physical difficulties for the rest of her life. Kahlo used her clothing and fashion as a colourful and celebratory statement of Mexican culture, her long flowing skirts and dresses also hid injuries to her legs, and the corsets she wore were customized to help straighten her back.

Ishiuchi’s book proves a unique and fascinating portrait of the late, great Frida Kahlo and the way in which a person’s belongings and clothing can tell a story of their own. Continuing to inspire even 60 years after her death, this is one wardrobe we are happy to share!